The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has forced many families to evacuate their homes, leaving behind their beloved pets. These abandoned animals struggle to find food, water, and shelter in the war-torn region.
In March, Sonya King, executive director and founder of Two by Two Animal Rescue in Alabama, received a call from an international animal rescue organization asking her to take in homeless dogs evacuated from Israel and Gaza. The dogs, a mixed Canaan breed, were in desperate need of care and adoptive homes. Sonya and her team agreed to take 17 dogs.
Sonya’s love for homeless dogs began as a seven-year-old when she found Blackie, a stray in her neighborhood. She quickly became passionate about helping abandoned animals.
After graduating from law school, Sonya created Two by Two Animal Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue service in Birmingham. Named to describe the way biblical Noah loaded animals “two by two” onto the ark, her goal is to save unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals and care for them until they find their forever homes. Sonya and her team rescue about 1400 animals each year, mostly dogs but also some cats, goats, horses, and other animals.
Transporting the dogs from Tel Aviv to Birmingham proved a difficult, lengthy process. At the Tel Aviv airport, the SPCA had to inspect the travel crates ahead of time, checking for bombs and chemicals.
The dogs flew to New York City in a gutted 747 cargo plane provided by Race for Life Rescue, a non-profit organization of pilots who fly dogs at no cost to save their lives. One dog was physically unable to travel.
In New York, after a three-day delay and much paperwork, the dogs passed through animal customs and took the mandatory shots. After a quarantine period, the 16 dogs received CDC clearance and were driven to Birmingham.
Upon their arrival, Sonya and her team welcomed the dogs warmly. “Welcome home! Your long travels are over,” Sonya told them. The dogs were immediately assessed for their emotional and physical health, received necessary medical care, and were spayed and neutered. A veterinary ophthalmologist provided eye surgery for one injured dog.
Two by Two Animal Rescue has already placed six dogs in foster and adoptive homes, providing food, toys, and their other needs. They are working with an emotional behavioral specialist to prepare the other dogs for adoption.
Erica Bowen, an Alabama teacher and the mother of six, provides a foster home for Sheba, one of the dogs. Sheba has adjusted well in her new foster home, cuddling on the couch with Erica’s three-year-old and welcoming her 16-year-old when she comes home from work each day.
“Sheba crate-trained easily and quickly bonded with our children,” Erica says. “She’s a sweet, gentle, calm, and loyal dog with no signs of aggression.”
Paul Bates, a lawyer from London who settled in Marion, Alabama, adopted Abraham. “Abraham is a sociable, incredibly affectionate dog who gets along fantastically with my other dog,” Bates says. “He is protective of his new home and has already established himself here. And he’s learning to get along with my cat after a few chases around the house.”
Bates adopted Abraham because of the dog’s background. “I wanted to help him because of where he came from,” Bates says.
Mia Awad, a Lebanese French teacher living in Georgia, saw a Facebook announcement about the dogs coming to the US. Intrigued, she contacted Two by Two Animal Rescue. She adopted Sabak, whom she later renamed Olive. She welcomed Olive into her home with open arms, speaking to her in Arabic.
“Olive seemed happy to hear me speak to her in Arabic, a language she seemed to understand,” Mia says, noting the special bond that this shared language created.
At first, Olive was shy and hesitant to explore her new surroundings. She spent most of her time snuggled in her comfortable crate with her stuffed toys. After a time of patience and love, Olive began to bond with Mia and her grown children. She also became friends with Mia’s other dog.
“Now she is really attached to us,” Mia says. “She follows me like a shadow and is always at my heels. Olive has grown comfortable enough in our home to wander freely throughout the house.”
With love, care, and the dedication of their new families, these dogs are on their way to happier lives. Sonya and her team at Two by Two Animal Rescue continue to work tirelessly to make sure every animal finds its forever home.
With their dedicated new families, these dogs are on their way to happier lives.